San Mateo County Genealogical Society

Discovering Our Family History Together

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Welcome to SMCGS

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The Library is Open!  

See website for hours and location

Genealogy consultants are available Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  

Drop in or contact Library manager (librarian@smcgs.org) to schedule an 

appointment

Meet our library volunteers

See events at the San Mateo Public Library here

Find us

Navigating DNA Challenges in French-Canadian and Indigenous Ancestry

Speaker:  Terry Hartley 

May 17 2025

10:30am - 12pm     via Zoom

10:00am Social half hour


French-Canadian and Indigenous ancestry present unique challenges in genetic genealogy, largely due to endogamy and pedigree collapse. Using her own family tree, featuring fur traders, First Nations, and Métis ancestors, as an example, Terry will explore the historical context of these endogamous populations and the complexities of using DNA in this type of research. Her presentation will cover strategies to navigate the challenges, including targeted and direct-line testing, working with large match lists, optimizing genetic genealogy tools, segment analysis, and chromosome mapping. A case study will illustrate how these strategies come together to uncover 17th-century ancestral connections.

 

Short Bio:

Terry is a seasoned genealogist with nearly 50 years of experience in family history research. She specializes in using DNA to solve family mysteries and enjoys helping others navigate the complexities of genetic genealogy.


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Further details about the talk and the presenter can be found under "Upcoming Public Events" to the R of this page, and well as the flyer sent out to all contacts.

Correction:  When we sent out the flyer, we indicated that the talk would not be recorded.  The speaker now will allow it to be recorded and make the video available on our members' website for one week only. All current SMCGS members will be able to access it on that restricted page.

The handout will not be on our website, and will be available only to participants who register through Zoom for the event. The handout will be attached to your final Zoom confirmation, to be sent out a couple of days before the talk.  

Watch here for any updates.

Because we're sure there will be some.


Register Here

Plan Ahead: Mining all the Gems for your Research Trips

When:  June 28, 2025  10:45AM - 12:15 PM

Speaker:  Pamela Brigham

Location:  San Mateo Public Library Oak Room

10:15 AM Social half hour



Register


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The SMPL, in conjunction with SMCGS, is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.  Find out more about the resources at these libraries here.

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 For more information about our monthly meetings click here

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About us

The San Mateo County Genealogical Society supports the study of family history in the Bay Area and beyond.

  • We get together to learn and share information in monthly meetings, seminars with well-known speakers, workshops and special-interest groups.
  • We support research through our genealogy library located at the San Mateo Public Library, online databases, and research services
  • We connect with each other through blog and monthly eNews notices about SMCGS events.

Learn more   Email us

Download the SMCGS app

Download the SMCGS app from Wild Apricot to your smartphone. With this app, you can:

  • View your member profile
  • View a list of upcoming events
  • Contact other SMCGS members


SMCGS would like to thank...

  • And to ALL who have supported us over the years... a BIG THANKS!
Come visit us in our facility at the San Mateo Public Library.

San Mateo County Genealogical Society

     SMCGS is a 501(c)(3) organization

PO Box 230
San Mateo, CA 94401-0230 

https://smcgs.org

 

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